Look out Apple, Google Play Music adds podcasts to the mix

After a brief dip in popularity a couple of years back, podcasts are bigger than ever. So much so that Google is making a long overdue leap onto the bandwagon.

In a post on the official Android blog, Google announced that a number of popular pods will soon be available via its streaming service.

Content from popular casters like HBO, How Stuff Works, Nerdist and Slate are among more than a dozen of the shows that will be available when the service officially launches.

Google is also allowing podcast producers in the United States to start uploading episodes ahead of the forthcoming launch. They can do so by entering information at go.com/podcastportal

The company hasn’t announced when it’ll start offering the broadcasts to Android users, but says to expect more news on the comping months.

In the blog post the company announced: “Along with direct searches and browsing for podcasts, the service will connect new listeners with podcasts based on what they’re doing, how they’re feeling, or what they’re interested in.

“Similar to our contextual playlists for music, this will give podcast fans and new listeners a way of finding and listening to content that’s unique to Google Play Music. Podcasters in the US can start uploading shows now at g.co/podcastportal.”

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The launch of podcasts on Google Play is a nice little bonus for Android users who’ll finally have a native means of tuning into their favourite shows without relying on third-party apps.Related: Apple Music for Android revealed

Over 1 billion people subscribe to podcasts through Apple platforms like iTunes and the iOS Podcasts app. Google will be hoping for similar success on its own turf